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Twenty-two of the city and region’s leading businesses have been named as finalists for the 2018 Westpac Manawatū Business Awards.

The Awards, held every two years, are designed to celebrate the best in business in Palmerston North and Manawatū. This year the Awards received 115 unique nominations, 48 of which progressed through to preliminary judging.

CEDA Economic Development Manager, Sarah Gauthier says the Central Economic Development Agency is delighted to deliver the 2018 Westpac Manawatū Business Awards, on behalf of a supportive group of sponsors.

“The city and region are filled with innovative businesses driven by passionate people and it is wonderful to acknowledge and celebrate them. The region’s economy is experiencing strong growth and these businesses contribute to that.”

Judges emphasised the businesses’ enthusiasm and dedication to grow through implementing digital technology and investing in upskilling their staff.

The preliminary judges have identified three to four finalists for each of the seven award categories.

Westpac NZ General Manager of Commercial, Corporate and Institutional Banking, Karen Silk, says the Awards provide businesses with a chance to reflect on their achievements and celebrate their successes.

“As an organisation that’s on a mission to help businesses to grow, we couldn’t be more inspired by this year’s finalists. These are businesses who know where they want to go and have a plan to get there. Our heartiest congratulations to all of the finalists.”

CEDA would like to sincerely thank the preliminary judges for volunteering their time.

“An important part of professional and business development is being open to feedback and advice on ways you can improve your approach and thinking. This is a core part of what judges provide to businesses throughout the judging process and we commend businesses for taking the time to be involved – and hope they have found it valuable,” says Sarah Gauthier.

2018 Westpac Manawatū Business Awards Sponsors and Finalists:

Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) – Distribution & Logistics Award finalists

  • Base Logistics
  • Palmerston North Truck Alignment
  • Stocktrim Software

FoodHQ – Agriculture and Food Award finalists

  • AgFirst Manawatu-Whanganui
  • C B Norwood Distributors
  • Ebony Coffee NZ

Central Demolition – Construction & Manufacturing Award finalists

  • Beca
  • Landmark Homes
  • Refresh Manawatu

Powerco – Education, Research and Technology Award finalists

  • Ricoh New Zealand
  • Studio Rubix
  • Tui Early Learners

BigaVision – Professional Services and Retail Award finalists

  • Advanced Accounting
  • Saigon Corner
  • Totally Vets

Palmerston North City Council and Manawatū District Council – Not for Profit Award finalists

  • Just Zilch
  • MASH Trust
  • Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway
  • Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History

Higgins – Spirit of the Manawatū Award finalists

  • C B Norwood Distributors
  • Long Building Solutions
  • Pania Ryan Beauty Retreat

Highly Commended – Spirit of Manawatū Award

  • Farmers Mutual Group
  • Lady Blue

The finalists will go through another round of judging, before the Gala Awards Night at Silks Lounge at Awapuni Racecourse on 16 November. There, the category winners, the Lifetime Service Award and the Westpac Supreme Business Award will be announced.

The awards are only possible due to the kind and generous support of our sponsors:

  • Naming Sponsor: Westpac.
  • Key sponsors: Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) which facilitates the awards, Massey University, The HITS, Go Media and the Manawatū Standard.
  • Category sponsors: FoodHQ, Central Demolition, PowerCo, BigaVision, Palmerston North City Council, Manawatū District Council, Higgins, UCOL, Central Energy Trust, Massey Business School.
  • Supporting sponsors: Creative Catering, Image Group NZ, Kevin Bills Photography, Nodero, Pivot Design, Sign Fusion, Hotel Coachman

The Westpac Manawatū Business Awards were established in 1995 to highlight business excellence in Palmerston North and Manawatū. Held every two years, it is the region’s premiere business event.

You can find out more about the event on the Westpac Manawatu Business Awards website or find us on Facebook.

For more information:
[email protected]
06 350 1830

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